In a surprising turn of events at Old Trafford, Manchester United are reportedly considering a bold move for former Barcelona maestro Xavi Hernández as a potential successor to the beleaguered Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese gaffer finds himself in hot water following a string of poor performances, capped by a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brentford, marking United’s third loss of the season.
Amorim’s tenure at the Theatre of Dreams has been rocky at best, with a lacklustre Premier League points tally that trails behind even Graham Potter’s ill-fated stint at West Ham, which culminated in his dismissal. With pressure mounting, it seems the upcoming fixture against Sunderland prior to the international break could be pivotal for his future.
The Red Devils have been linked with a slew of potential managerial replacements, including Gareth Southgate, Oliver Glasner, and Michael Carrick. However, Spanish outlet Fichajes suggests that Xavi could herald a new chapter for United in what they call a ‘bombshell’ revelation.
The club’s hierarchy is reportedly in search of ‘urgent solutions’ to navigate the current crisis, with Xavi emerging as a credible candidate owing to his credentials as a young coach with prolific experience on the global stage.
At present, the board must make a critical decision: whether to persevere with Amorim until the season’s end or place their trust in Xavi to steer the club towards brighter horizons.
In tandem with managerial considerations, United are also active in the transfer market. Sources from Spain indicate a ‘first offer’ has been tabled for Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder is reportedly unsettled with his current role under Xabi Alonso, fuelling speculation about a potential move to Old Trafford this winter.
With a lucrative deal rumoured to be in the offing, valued at approximately €80 million, the prospect of Kobbie Mainoo heading in the opposite direction has been mooted. Despite Madrid’s valuation stance fortified by Valverde’s contract running until 2029 the allure of United’s interest persists.
Fabrizio Romano, renowned transfer guru, has provided insights on Amorim’s precarious position, noting that while respect for the manager endures, significant improvement is imperative. With no immediate replacements lined up, the upcoming games could prove critical in determining the direction of Manchester United’s season on multiple fronts.